Compact portable toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A compact portable toothbrush having an elongated cylindrical handle member open at one end and closed at the opposite end with a compartment defined therein adapted to carry a tube of toothpaste or the like therein, a toothbrush consisting of an elongated shank portion having a brush head at one end with the opposite end having a socket or the like formed therein; an adapter connected to the closed end of the handle and projecting axially therefrom with the projecting portion adapted to receive thereon the socket end portion of the toothbrush in a detachable manner, an elongated transparent hollow tubular cover member closed at one end and open at the opposite end defining a compartment therein of a size and configuration adapted to completely hold therein the interconnected toothbrush and handle, and a cap detachably attached to the open end of the cover in a manner to close both the cover compartment and the handle compartment while permitting selective access thereinto.

llnited States Patent Pipitone Oct. 22, 1974 COMPACT PORTABLE TOOTHBRUSH [57] ABSTRACT [76] Inventor: Joseph Pipitone, 3314 Garnet Rd., A compact portable toothbrush having an elongated Baltimore, Md. 21234 cylindrical handle memberhopen at one end and closed at the opposite end wit a compartment defined [22] 1973 therein adapted'to carry a tube of toothpaste or the [2]] Appl. No.: 390,952 like therein, a toothbrush consisting of an elongated shank portion having a brush head at one end with the opposite end having a socket or the like formed [2%] $5.81 therein; an adapter connected to the closed end of the 'f i 40l/2/68 handle and projecting axially therefrom with the pro- 1 earc 206/ jecting portion adapted to receive thereon the socket 1 l3 end portion of the toothbrush in a detachable manner, an elongated transparent hollow tubular cover mem- [56] References Cited ber closed at one end and open at the opposite end UNITED STATES PATENTS defining a compartment therein of a size and configu' 1,473,766 ll/l923 Healy 132/84 A ration adapted to completely hold therein the inter- 2;4 5 9/1949 W tet 32/ B connected toothbrush and handle, and a cap detach- 2,60l,244 6/1952 Boulicaull 132/34 B ably attached to the open end of the cover in a man- 2,840,032 6/1958 Reeves r 116/112 to Close both h Cover compartment and the ham 3,593.725 7/197! Ortega 132/84 B die compartment while permitting Selective access th I t Primary Examiner-G. E. McNeil] erem o 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 5'2 3 k E J;- -L a f l 61 w as ea a MJ 77 COMPACT PORTABLE TOOTHBRUSH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to health devices and in particular to a novel compact and portable toothbrush device holding therein a collapsible tube of toothpaste or the like in a manner permitting the toothbrush portions provided with electric toothbrushes to be utilized thereon.

2. Description of the Prior Art The importance of brushing ones teeth is well known in the field of dental hygiene, with advancements constantly being made in the art to assure that such brushing is performed at a regular daily basis and with the thoroughness as required.

Among the latest developments is the electric toothbrush wherein a powered handle unit is provided onto which is selectively mounted the end of the handle of an individuals toothbrush which is of a type manufactured for use with the particular brand of electric toothbrush, the motor providing an oscillatory movement to the brush in a back and forth motion for thorough brushing of anindividuals teeth.

However, during short trips and the like, or for those people who travel extensively, it is not convenient to carry about the complete electric toothbrush, including in some cases the associated charging member, and yet an individual desires to brush his teeth with the same toothbrush as accustomed to in the home without having to switch toothbrushes or continuously break in new toothbrushes to an individuals liking. It would thus be desirable if an individual could have the benefits and advantages of brushing with an electric type toothbrush in the home, and then when traveling away from home be able to utilize the toothbrush portion of the electric toothbrush in a convenient manner so that only a single toothbrush need be used over any period of time by an individual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention recognizes the problem encountered by individuals having electric toothbrushes and who travel or are away from home for any periods of time by providing a novel combined toothbrush and toothpaste holder wherein an individual may use only the brush portion from any manufacturers brand of electric toothbrush in a convenient manner.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a toothbrush handle adapted to receive thereon the short toothbrushes normally provided with electric toothbrushes as well as to conveniently carry therewith a tube of toothpaste or the like in a manner such that both the toothbrush and the toothpaste will always be ready for instant use and when not in use will be kept together free from contamination and dust in a closed outer cover.

A further feature of the present invention provides a handle member having a universal adapter mounted at one end thereof adapted to receive thereon the shank portions of various manufacturers brands of shortened electric toothbrushes permitting an individual to manually use such toothbrushes in a convenient and efficient manner, such handle having a compartment formed therein for carrying a tube of toothpaste or the like, with the complete handle and toothbrush mounted thereon being received in a cover having a cap to close the cover in a tight manner when in the closed position to prevent any accidental escape of toothpaste or liquids which may be on the toothbrush or in the handle compartment, while simultaneously preventing any contamination to the contents in the cover.

The provision of a portable compact toothbrush having a toothpaste compartment defined therein, such as briefly outlined above, and possessing the stated advantages, constitutes the principal features of the present invention. The provision of a toothbrush device which is simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a low cost and by simple manufacturing methods; one which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand normal usage when traveling away from the home; one which is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; one which is adapted to utilize toothbrush members provided with various brands and manufactures of electric toothbrushes; one which is adapted to be provided by an electric toothbrush manufacturer as part of the electric toothbrush permitting use thereof when away from the home and without the electrically powered handle portion of the electric toothbrush, or which may be purchased separately by an individual for use with either the electric toothbrush portions provided with the individuals electric toothbrush, or alternatively, to permit an individual to merely purchase the toothbrush membersnormally intended for use with electric toothbrushes and permitting the individual to utilize the same in a convenient and efficient manner with the toothbrush device of the present invention; and one which, otherwise, is well adapted to perform the services required of it, are further desirable features which have been borne in mind in the production and development of the present invention.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view, partially broken away, showing the open end of the cover with the cap in position to be detachably attached thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated a preferred form of a toothbrush device embodying the invention which is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 and which is comprised of five component parts, namely a cover 11, a toothbrush 12, an adapter 13, a handle 14, and a cap 15.

The cover 11 is in the form of an elongated hollow tubular member having a cylindrical side wall 21 with one end 22 closed in a hemi-spherical shape with the opposite end 23 open permitting access into a compartment 24 defined interior of the cover and having an inner surface 25. A circumferally extending ring like groove 27 is formed inwardly of end 23 in the interior cylindrical surface 25, the groove adapted for use with the cap as will be described later in this application.

The toothbrush 12 is of a conventional size and length as normally provided by most manufacturers for use with the manufacturers electric toothbrushes, and includes a shank 31 having a brush head 32 formed at one end thereof with an axially extending aperture 33 formed in the opposite end 34 and extending partially thereinto, the size and configuration of the aperture 33 being different for various manufacturers electric toothbrushes such that while the same is shown as circular in the present embodiment it is to be understood that such may be of any desired cross-section or configuration as envisioned within the scope and principles of the present invention. The brush head portion 32 is provided with brush bristles 35 projecting outwardly therefrom in the conventional manner.

The handle 14 is of an elongated hollow configuration including a cylindrical side wall 41 closed at end 42 and open at end 43, there being defined therein a compartment 44 having interior cylindrical side wall surfaces 45. The handle 14 is of a size and configuration adapted to be snugly received within compartment 24 of cover 11 when in the closed position, such as illustrated in FIG. 3. The handle compartment 44 is adapted to receive therein a collapsible tube of toothpaste, such as designated by reference numeral 16. The top closed end 42 is provided centrally thereof and extends axially therethrough with an opening 47 adapted to receive and retain therein an end of the adapter 13 as will be described in the following paragraph.

The adapter 13 is in the form of an axially elongated member 51 which is of a size and configuration selected by an individual depending upon the size and configuration of the aperture 33 in the toothbrush 12, with adapters of various sizes and configurations being intended to be supplied with the toothbrush device of the present invention permitting an individual to select the adapter for whatever toothbrush is to be used therewith. The adapter is provided with a base portion 52 having the member 51 projecting axially in one direction therefrom and having a cylindrical boss like member 53 projecting outwardly therefrom in the opposite direction adapted to be tightly received in opening 47 in the handle 14 in a manner securing the adapter tightly thereto. As for purposes of illustration the aperture 33 was shown circular in cross-section, member 51 of adapter 13 is accordingly of a circular cross-section sized to fit within aperture 33 to detachably retain toothbrush 12 on handle 14.

In the drawings, the cover 11 and handle 14 are shown as having a circular cross-section, with it being understood that they may be of any complementary cross-section with the only requirement being that the handle 14 be of a size and configuration to be received in cover 11, such cross-sections being round, oval, rectangular, square, hexagonal, or any other convenient cross-section. As a circular cross-section is shown, then cap 15 is of a similar circular configuration, with it being understood that the cap would be of a configuration to match the cross-section of the cover as envisioned within the present invention.

The cap 15 includes an enlarged circular head portion 61 having a top surface 62, a bottom surface 63, and peripheral outer edge surfaces 64, the diameter of the head portion being substantially equal to the exterior diameter of the cover 11 such that when cap 15 is in position on cover 11 the edge 64 will lie substantially co-planar with the exterior surface of side wall 21. Formed concentric with the cap and projecting axially outwardly from bottom surface 63 is a circular boss member 65 having a bottom surface 66 and cylindrical side wall surfaces 67 defining peripheral edges 68, the diameter of the boss 65 being substantially equal to or slightly less than the interior diameter of the cover 11 such that when the cap 15 is positioned on cover 11 in a manner to close compartment 24 the head portion bottom surface 63 engages cover edges 23 with the side walls 67 of boss 65 being received within compartment 24 in juxtaposition with the interior wall portions 25 immediately adjacent edge 23. A circumferally extending ring like bead 77 is provided about side walls 67 concentric with the axis of the cap 15 and is spaced inwardly from bottom surface 63 a distance to engage in groove 27 in cover 11 upon cap 15 being properly positioned thereon.

The cover 11, handle 14, adapter 13 and cap 15 may be manufactured out of any suitable satisfactory material, such as metal, rubber, plastic, or the like which provides an aesthetically pleasing and refined appearance and which is of a functional characteristic. A preferred embodiment would manufacture these components out of a transparent polystyrene plastic, or in a variety of opaque colors appealing to the consumer.

In operation, an individual selects an adapter 13 which is complementary to a toothbrush 12 which the user has from an electric toothbrush presently in the home, or alternatively, which is provided with the device or which may be purchased separately by the individual, with the adapter being fixedly inserted in the handle after which the toothbrush is detachably attached to the adapter. A small collapsible tube of toothpaste 16 may then be inserted into compartment 44, with the complete assembly then being axially in serted into cover 11 with cap 15 being snapped into the open end of the cover such that the bead 77 engages in groove 27 to retain the cap in position sealing the cover and its contents from contamination, dirt and the like while simultaneously preventing any liquids or fluids which may be left on the toothbrush, such as after rinsing, from dripping out of the cover in a manner which would otherwise spoil items surrounding the cover, such as when packed in a suitcase with surrounding clothes and the like. Further, to assure quiet carrying of the device, it is preferred that the exterior diameter of the handle 14 be of a size and configuration complementary to the interior diameter of the cover 11 so as to be snugly received therein, such as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed l. A compact portable toothbrush comprising:

an elongated hollow tubular handle member closed at one end and open at the opposite end;

a compartment defined in said handle member accessible through said open end thereof and adapted to carry a tube of toothpaste and the like therein;

a toothbrush member having a short shank portion, a brush head mounted on one end of said shank, the opposite end of said shank adapted to be detachably mounted on the closed end of the handle member and extend outwardly therefrom;

an elongated hollow tubular cover member closed at one end and open at the opposite end;

a compartment defined in said cover member extending the complete length thereof and accessible through said open end thereof, the compartment being of a size and configuration adapted to hold completely therein the interconnected toothbrush member and handle member; and

a cap member detachably attached to the open end of the cover member simultaneously closing both the cover compartment and the handle compartment and permitting selective simultaneous access thereinto for removal and replacement of the various members within the cover member, with the cap in the closed position sealing the cover member compartment to prevent contaminants, dirt and the like from entering into the cover member compartment.

2. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a boss-like adapter member removeably connected centrally of the handle closed end and projecting axially outwardly therefrom, the opposite end of the toothbrush shank having a longitudinally extending socket adapted to be detachably received on the adapter, the adapter being interchangable with adapters or varying sizes and configurations to attach to the handle member toothbrushes having shank end socket portions of various sizes and configurations so as to accomodate thereon various brands of toothbrushes as provided by different manufacturers of toothbrushes.

3. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 2 wherein the cover member is of a circular cross-section at the open end thereof; and wherein the cap is circular and formed of an enlarged disc shaped head portion substantially equal in diameter to the exterior diameter of the cover member, and a concentric cylindrically shaped boss projecting axially from the head portion and being of a diameter substantially equal to the interior diameter of the cover member, the boss adapted to be received in the cover member compartment in a manner to close the same with the peripheral end edges of the cover member engaging the peripheral lower cap head edge surface, a ring like circumferally extending annular groove formed in the interior cover of the compartment surface adjacent to the open end thereof and spaced inwardly therefrom, and a mating ring like circumferally extending annular bead projection formed on the exterior surface of the boss adapted to detachably snappingly engage in the groove when the cap is in position on the cover member to retain the same snugly thereon.

4. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 3 wherein the closed end of the cover is of a dome hemi-spherical shape providing a smooth transition with the cylindrical side wall of the cover, the closed end of the handle member being of a substantially flat configuration extending normal to the axis of the handle member, the exterior diameter of the handle member being substantially equal to the interior diameter of the cover compartment so as to be snugly received therein, and the innermost bottom surface of the cap adapted to engage the open end edges of the handle member about the open end thereof in a manner to close the same.

5. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 4 wherein the adapter includes a base member adapted to engage with the exterior closedend of the handle member, the adapter including a boss like member projecting normal thereto adapted to be axially aligned with an opening provided centrally through the handle member closed end with the boss received therein to snugly retain the adapter thereon, and a member on the adapter base portion projecting in a direction axially opposed to the direction of the boss member and being of a size and configuration complementary to an aperture defined in the opposite end of the toothbrush shank such that the adapter may be detachably received within the complementary toothbrush shank aperture in a manner to retain the toothbrush detachably attached to the handle member.

6. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 5 wherein the cover member and handle member are formed of a transparent polystyrene plastic.

7. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 5 wherein the cover member and handle member are formed of an opaque polystyrene plastic material having sufficient resiliency to permit slight expansion at the open end of the cover permitting the bead on the cap to engage into the groove in the interior surface of 

1. A compact portable toothbrush comprising: an elongated hollow tubular handle member closed at one end and open at the opposite end; a compartment defined in said handle member accessible through said open end thereof and adapted to carry a tube of toothpaste and the like therein; a toothbrush member having a short shank portion, a brush head mounted on one end of said shank, the opposite end of said shank adapted to be detachably mounted on the closed end of the handle member and extend outwardly therefrom; an elongated hollow tubular cover member closed at one end and open at the opposite end; a compartment defined in said cover member extending the complete length thereof and accessible through said open end thereof, the compartment being of a size and configuration adapted to hold completely therein the interconnected toothbrush member and handle member; and a cap member detachably attached to the open end of the cover member simultaneously closIng both the cover compartment and the handle compartment and permitting selective simultaneous access thereinto for removal and replacement of the various members within the cover member, with the cap in the closed position sealing the cover member compartment to prevent contaminants, dirt and the like from entering into the cover member compartment.
 2. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a boss-like adapter member removeably connected centrally of the handle closed end and projecting axially outwardly therefrom, the opposite end of the toothbrush shank having a longitudinally extending socket adapted to be detachably received on the adapter, the adapter being interchangable with adapters or varying sizes and configurations to attach to the handle member toothbrushes having shank end socket portions of various sizes and configurations so as to accomodate thereon various brands of toothbrushes as provided by different manufacturers of toothbrushes.
 3. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 2 wherein the cover member is of a circular cross-section at the open end thereof; and wherein the cap is circular and formed of an enlarged disc shaped head portion substantially equal in diameter to the exterior diameter of the cover member, and a concentric cylindrically shaped boss projecting axially from the head portion and being of a diameter substantially equal to the interior diameter of the cover member, the boss adapted to be received in the cover member compartment in a manner to close the same with the peripheral end edges of the cover member engaging the peripheral lower cap head edge surface, a ring like circumferally extending annular groove formed in the interior cover of the compartment surface adjacent to the open end thereof and spaced inwardly therefrom, and a mating ring like circumferally extending annular bead projection formed on the exterior surface of the boss adapted to detachably snappingly engage in the groove when the cap is in position on the cover member to retain the same snugly thereon.
 4. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 3 wherein the closed end of the cover is of a dome hemi-spherical shape providing a smooth transition with the cylindrical side wall of the cover, the closed end of the handle member being of a substantially flat configuration extending normal to the axis of the handle member, the exterior diameter of the handle member being substantially equal to the interior diameter of the cover compartment so as to be snugly received therein, and the innermost bottom surface of the cap adapted to engage the open end edges of the handle member about the open end thereof in a manner to close the same.
 5. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 4 wherein the adapter includes a base member adapted to engage with the exterior closed end of the handle member, the adapter including a boss like member projecting normal thereto adapted to be axially aligned with an opening provided centrally through the handle member closed end with the boss received therein to snugly retain the adapter thereon, and a member on the adapter base portion projecting in a direction axially opposed to the direction of the boss member and being of a size and configuration complementary to an aperture defined in the opposite end of the toothbrush shank such that the adapter may be detachably received within the complementary toothbrush shank aperture in a manner to retain the toothbrush detachably attached to the handle member.
 6. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 5 wherein the cover member and handle member are formed of a transparent polystyrene plastic.
 7. The compact portable toothbrush as set forth in claim 5 wherein the cover member and handle member are formed of an opaque polystyrene plastic material having sufficient resiliency to permit slight expansion at the open end of the cover permitting the bead on the cap to engage into the groove in the intErior surface of the cover. 